This interpreter contract can be used for any interpretation service, whether you are or are hiring a language interpreter, sign language interpreter, oral interpreter, medical interpreter, or legal interpreter, and for any type of delivery – live, simultaneous, consecutive, whisper, and phone. Feel free to customize it to suit your services.
Sometimes, “the client” will be a group, such as a classroom. If that’s the case, “the client” will be the company name.
This interpreter contract is between [Sender.FirstName] [Sender.LastName] from [Sender.Company] , "the interpreter," and [Client.FirstName] [Client.LastName] from [Client.Company] , "the client."
This contract will begin on (date).
This contract will be valid for: (choose one)
A one-time event – This contract shall only be in effect for the following event:
Name of event: (enter name)
Date and time: (enter date and time)
Place and address: (enter place and address)
A fixed term – This contract shall end on (date). After this date, both parties will no longer have any liabilities or obligations to one another.
An ongoing term – This contract shall remain in effect until either one of the parties terminates the contract, providing that (number of days/weeks) notice is given to the other party. After this date, both parties will no longer have any liabilities or obligations.
It’s important to be clear as to what type of interpretation service is required and the type of delivery. If the client is used to having simultaneous interpretation (as it happens, with equipment like headphones) and the interpreter instead does continuous interpretation (waits until the speaker pauses, then interprets), the client may be confused and frustrated. It’s also important to be clear if any equipment is needed and who supplies them.
Check all that apply:
Language interpretation (Specify: Spanish to English)
Sign language interpretation (Specify: ASL to English, French to LSF)
Other (Specify)
Check all that apply:
Other (Specify)
Describe the job and what the interpreter will be doing every day / at that event. Add or remove any that apply. Every interpretation job is different.
The interpreter shall provide (type of interpretation) interpretation service to the client, (client name or description, for example, the students of the School of the Deaf), every (day of the week) / on (specific date) at (time), during (event/meeting/occasion). The interpreter will (meet the client at [Client.StreetAddress] [Client.City] [Client.State] [Client.PostalCode] / online / call the client) and provide interpretation service during (event/occasion)).
The interpreter shall be responsible for interpreting (describe the content).
The interpreter shall also be responsible for providing interpretation during any emergency situation that occurs on-site.
(Add any other tasks).
Other (Specify)
The client will provide all materials and equipment needed.
The interpreter will provide all material needed.
The client will reimburse the interpreter for any purchases necessary. The interpreter shall send the client a receipt for the material or equipment by (method), and the client shall reimburse the interpreter by (method) no later than (number of days) days after receipt.
Use this section if you hire a freelance interpreter to emphasize that they will not be considered an employee of your company. This is recommended for ongoing contracts.
1. The parties agree that the interpreter is hired as an independent contractor, and this contract does not create a partnership, joint venture, or employment relationship between the interpreter and [Client.Company] .
2. The interpreter shall be responsible for paying all taxes under existing law. This includes local income taxes, federal, state, social security, and unemployment. The illustrator agrees to pay all taxes to the appropriate government agencies and indemnify [Client.Company] against any claims, liabilities, costs, or expenses that may arise.
3. The interpreter will not be covered by any insurance or benefits that [Client.Company] provides to its regular employees.
List any confidentiality clauses and rules that pertain to your specific type of interpretation, event, or company.
1. During the term of the contract, the interpreter shall comply with the terms of (insert name of code of conduct or regulation name).
2. The interpreter shall keep all information given and recorded in/at (company name, event, meeting) confidential and shall not disclose them outside of this setting.
3. The interpreter shall keep all documents, recordings, and any other media containing information or work relating to (company name, event, meeting) (at the office/company, in a locked container).
(add any other confidentiality clauses)